Equi Balancefor better performance and happier, healthier horses |
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Horsemanship Clinic 'Straightening and Strengthening your horse's back' This 2-day clinic is about straightening and strenthening your horse's back.
Why this clinic?Carrying a rider is a most unnatural activity for our horses and we must ensure that they are physically capable of doing so comfortably and in balance. The horse is not naturally able to do so without damaging his anatomy!Most of the problems of horse riding and the management of the horses take place because every horse has a slight natural curving. The make up of the body of both human and animal is not equal, the body is asymmetrical and the phenomena left or right-handed exists. Everybody knows whether they are right or left handed, but very few people know whether their horse has a right or left curve! The horse has a natural curve either to the left or the right. Therefore, one side of the body is more agile and stronger whilst the other side is weaker and more stiff. In natural circumstances and as long as man and horse go their separate ways, this curvature of the horse may not give any problems but from the moment someone starts riding the horse, problems can occur, this is because whilst riding, the horse is carrying more weight. Typical problems and symptoms with a horse that is not straight are: * easy bending to one side and difficult bending to the other side * unequal contact in the mouth, the horse takes one rein and not the other one * good canter on one side but difficult canter on the other hand * head bending incorrectly * head shaking * teeth crunching * bucking or rearing Riders often reinforce the natural curve of their horse by sitting more to one side. This mostly happens unconsciously but because of this, the horse becomes more crooked. These problems get even worse when the rider rides his horse with his head low down without straightening the horses first. Dr. Reiner Klimke says: "Only a straightened horse let's himself collect. If the rider doesn't know how to straighten the horse, the horse will not use the hindquarters well and will overload his forehand. Straightening the horse is a must to be able to ride a horse!" The balance of the horse is severely disturbed if the rider tries to bend the horse, if the horse isn't straightened correctly. Because of this the horse's back will be in a forced position. But far too often we see riders pulling their horses head down, using aids such as draw reins and martingales or just strong use of the hand. If the rider then tries to collect his horse, all the pressure will come down on the front legs, which will become overloaded and the horse will go lame. As the foot is the weakest part of the chain, symptoms will show up here first. How?The natural curve is a muscular problem, which can be treated by training the muscles. Only a straightened horse stays healthy. Through the training method, which is based on classical horsemanship, you can straighten your horse, make him stronger and equally muscled, so he can bear you better. The horse will be supple, clear and accept the bridle, both hind leg will come under the body and the horse will relax. This way, the horse stays healthy and wants to work.Using gymnastic excersises and stretches especially designed to strengthen and straightening your horse's back, I use a method that pays a lot of attention to the natural curve of the horse. A horse stays his whole life more or less curved and the right way to handle that natural curve is the most important part of the training method. We restore the balance by straightening the horse so his body weight will be equally divided over 4 legs. With that restored natural balance, the rider can achieve to a ride technical balance, whereby 3/5 of the horse his body weight is carried by his hind quarters. We will work on 5 elements: 1. relaxation 2. accepting the bridle 3. straightening 4. collection 5. raise the forehand Planning (subject to change)- Body scan of yourself and your horse using techniques- talking about your goals with your horse and how to achieve them - body work rider - riding excersises - working on your goals - setting up a training program for your horse - body work for your horse - a few basic massage techniques that you can use on your horse after a ride, lesson or training session For who:This workshop is suitable to riders of all experience and any discipline. Because we work in small groups I'll be able to give everyone the attention he/she needs.You need to bring your own horse, we don't have any horses available. Investment: $ 395 for both days. Fence sitters: $ 50 per day If you would like to organise this clinic in your area (Australia wide), please contact us for more information. Would you like to join this clinic for FREE ? Organise a clinic at your place, get at least 6 people together and you can do the clinic for free. Email me for more info. If you would like to organize this clinic in your area (Australia wide), please contact me for more information. | ||
